Richmond’s star key defender, Alex Rance, is excited at the prospect of teammate David Astbury picking up where he left off in season 2014, and becoming an integral part of the Tigers’ back half.

Astbury, 23, was running second in the Jack Dyer Medal after nine rounds this year, until suffering a season-ending kneecap dislocation.

Rance, who was rewarded with All-Australian selection for the first time in 2014, following an excellent season, believes Astbury has the necessary attributes to have a significant impact in the Richmond defence.

“I don’t think too many people realise how big he is . . . he’s about 196cm, and he’s nearly 100 kilos,” Rance said.

“So, if we can get him on the park, he can take the (Kurt) Tippetts and the other big boys in the competition.

“It just means he’s a lock – and he’s really strong, mentally, as well.

“He doesn’t stray away from the game plan too much, or get distracted by too much.

“He really locks down on his job and executes it.”